Chamber Of Commerce Dinner Focus Is Gas Industry

Organizers of the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner are piecing together a program that will spotlight a topic that is likely to become one of the most significant economic developments in local history. The economic and employment aspects of Marcellus Shale natural gas production will be the focus of a presentation by Bob Veilleux of Penn State Cooperative Extension and the Potter County Education Council. He is spearheading those organizations’ public education and business/workforce development activities related to the gas business. The dinner will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Coudersport Golf Club. More information is available by calling the Chamber office at 274-8165.

Veilleux has overseen the development of vocational training courses and other educational opportunities to prepare local job-seekers for employment opportunities in the industry. He is also working on development of a clearinghouse which will serve as a “single point of contact” for businesses and other entities interested in the local natural gas industry. Additionally, he has developed technical tools that pinpoint the location and status of gas wells in Potter County.

Veilleux is coordinating his activities with not only Cooperative Extension and the Education Council, but also the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force, administrators from all area school districts, businesses affiliated with the natural gas industry, employment service agencies, post-secondary education institutions, and other organizations. This developing team approach which has already proven to be a success in Potter County is seen as a model for other educational and business organizations across the Marcellus Shale region.